GEMOLOGICAL MICROSCOPES
J. R. Instruments Reference
He reports that J. R. Instruments is marketing the same microscope head as found in the GIA Gemolite Ultima "B" Mark 10 (Leica GZ7) with a microscope base ala Gemological Products with fiber optic darkfield and fiber optic gooseneck and overhead fluorescent lamp for $3800 new and $2600 with reconditioned head and a new base with a 5 yr. warranty. This price compares to the $5260 that the Gem Instruments charges for theirs.
The equivalent of the Gemolite super 60 Zoom Mark 10 for which the GIA charges $4687, is being offered by J. R. Instruments for $2500 new and $2300 reconditioned with new base. He also sells microscope accessories at good discounts such as the 2x doubler and polarizing filters.
The enclosed quote of $95 for microscope reconditioning of Bausch and Lomb is an incredible value, considering the GIA charges $295 for reconditioning without the beautiful repaint job. Mike says his 15 yr. old grey Mark 5 looks brand new in black with the white top and blue Bausch and Lomb logos after reconditioning.
By the way, the Leica factory where the GZ7 is being made, is the old Bausch and Lomb factory which Leica bought out. So the microscopes Leica is now making are identical to the old GIA Bausch and Lomb microscopes. This is why you sacrifice no loss in optical quality by purchasing a reconditioned microscope.
NAJA has received the repair quote listed below from J. R. Instruments with regard to microscope reconditioning. Members can have their units reconditioned at this price by contacting the NAJA Business Office and we will give you a repair authorization number which you will then send along with your microscope to J. R. Instruments.
J. R. Instruments stated in their quote that they are pleased to present this quote for the reconditioning of NAJA member's Bausch and Lomb gemological microscopes.
Microscope Reconditioning consists of the following:
CLEANING - All optical elements / mechanical components will be thoroughly cleaned using manufacturer's recommended procedures.
LUBRICATION - All moving parts requiring lubrication will be degreased with proper solvents and lubricated with nondrying lubricants.
OPTICAL SYSTEMS - Optical elements will be aligned to insure that all four optical alignments (focus adjustment, collimation, resolution and magnification) meet manufacturer's specifications and tolerances.
SYSTEM EVALUATION - An image evaluation will be conducted to insure optimum performance of the instrument and insure that the instrument is optically balanced and operating to specifications.
PAINTING - All castings will be repainted with urethane paint & seal screened with Bausch and Lomb logos.
WARRANTY - 3 Years labor and workmanship.
PRICES - Refurbish Bausch and Lomb StereoZoom Microscopes $95.00
J.R. Instruments
Telephone 310.398.7951
Telefax 310.398.7971
Scientific Optical Instruments.